as in charismatic
having an often mysterious or magical power to attract
the heroine in the story has an elfin beauty that men find irresistible
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Recent Examples of elfin
Meanwhile, as Hjalmar’s 14-year-old daughter, Hedvig, the elfin Maaike Laanstra-Corn is delivering yet another wonderfully eccentric embodiment of a high-strung tween with a potentially perilous excess of imagination.
—
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2025
Numerous species are commercially available, from the culinary classic common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) to colorful flowering groundcovers such as elfin thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and creeping thyme (Thymus praecox).
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025
In a series of illustrated stories, Lung describes the Labubu as an elfin creature.
—Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Alicia Vikander embraced the elfin vibe of Ghesquière’s giant pointy hats, which echoed some traditional Scandi headwear.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for elfin
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2025
Numerous species are commercially available, from the culinary classic common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) to colorful flowering groundcovers such as elfin thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and creeping thyme (Thymus praecox).
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025
In a series of illustrated stories, Lung describes the Labubu as an elfin creature.
—Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Alicia Vikander embraced the elfin vibe of Ghesquière’s giant pointy hats, which echoed some traditional Scandi headwear.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for elfin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elfin
Adjective
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The Grammy Award-winning rapper made history as the show’s first woman to portray the charismatic cabaret manager Zidler — the character’s full name is Harold Zidler.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
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It’s been a long time since South Texas politics has produced such an unusual and high-stakes congressional race as this year’s battle between a two-term Republican incumbent and her Democratic opponent, a charismatic political neophyte who’s accustomed to being in the public eye.—
Joe Holley,
Washington Post,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Don’t pass up this fun way to get around this charming town.—
Karon Warren,
AJC.com,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Mars’ between-song banter, though charming, frequently sounded scripted down to the syllable.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Benet, who is very appealing, really deserved much more to do vocally.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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Forest face Newcastle at home that week before another appealing home fixture against Bournemouth in Gameweek 38.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Red varieties are highly attractive to hummingbirds, while butterflies and other pollinators also frequent the showy blooms.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
2 May 2026
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The document says Jones put in place attractive incentives so officers would retire before their terms were up.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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There’s something so cozy and enchanting about a story about a place filled with secrets and magic.—
Stephanie Hope,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
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These enchanting flowering trees produce large, dramatic blooms in shades ranging from pure white to vibrant pink and purple, all complemented by a delightful fragrance.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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On World Rhythms, Lockwood trusts the listener to hear the arc of its noises, to trace their emergence and disappearance, their strange, seductive confluence.—
Joshua Minsoo Kim,
Pitchfork,
28 Apr. 2026
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Together, Venus and Pluto create a blend of seductive charm, substance and intellectual stimulation.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elfin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elfin. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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